My four-year-old daughter warned me in sign language not to drink—then a terrified woman rushed from the kitchen
/
Chapter 22 / 27
Chapter 22 - Nora testifies
The case did not go to a full jury trial.
But Nora testified during a pretrial evidentiary hearing.
Vanessa sat across the courtroom.
Nora described:
Restricted beverage station.
White packet.
Vanessa’s explanation.
Her own hesitation.
The discarded envelope.
Her eventual decision to run into the ballroom.
Vanessa’s attorney asked:
“You never saw my client pour a pill into Mr. Whitaker’s drink, correct?”
“Correct.”
“You never tested the packet?”
“No.”
“You allowed her into the station because you believed her explanation?”
“Yes.”
“So at the time, you did not think a crime was occurring?”
Nora paused.
“No.”
Then:
May you like
“That is why I regret not acting sooner.”
Strong answer because it was true.
